Standing tree baler

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for in-situ baling of trees is provided. The apparatus includes a first frame which supports, a rotatable second frame. A tree trunk is inserted into the first and second frames. The second frame is rotated by a motor as the frames are elevated toward the top of a tree. During elevation, string is dispensed from a cannister on the second frame, baling the tree. The dispensed string is then secured completing the operation.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 09/832,006,filed on Apr. 11, 2001 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,666,133 which application isincorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

The present invention provides an apparatus used for baling a standingtree as well as a method of baling trees. More specifically, the presentinvention allows a user to bale a standing tree with string such thatits branches are inwardly compressed to allow for ease of moving andtransport of the tree.

Tree baling is a process of bundling the branches of a tree toward thetrunk into a compressed state such that the baled tree can be moreeasily transported after it is balled or cut, and is common in the treenursery and Christmas tree industries. Baling is a necessary step to aidin removal and transport of the trees. Transportation of trees withoutbaling is difficult because of tree bulkiness. As a result of baling,the trees are less likely to be damaged in transit because the fragilebranches are bundled together into a cohesive unit. Trees with theirbranches extended, however, are easily damaged because the branchesextending from the trunk can easily hit objects resulting in damage.

In the past, various balers have been used to provide for easiertransport of trees. In Christmas tree harvesting, trees were first cutand then hauled to a baler. The tree was then pulled through ahorizontally situated cone to compress the branches to a desired maximumcircumference while string or netting is applied around the outercircumference of the tree. This methodology has an inherent drawback ofrequiring the severance of the tree before baling. A harvester mustoften locate the hard to reach trunk of the tree in order to sever it.As a result, the severing takes additional time. Additionally, this typeof baler cannot be used for nursery stock intended for replanting, andthe user must either manually bale these types of trees or have aseparate in-situ baler.

Apparatus for baling trees in-situ have an inherent advantage fornursery stock and also allow for ease of severance and reduction of treedamage during felling and movement of Christmas trees. Current apparatusused, however, have their own inherent drawbacks. Some in-situ balersare massive in size having an overall length in excess of the height ofthe baled tree. Other apparatus have many mechanical joints resulting incomplex machines, with high fabrication costs and low reliability.

There is a need to produce a tree baler which provides for ease of useby the operator while achieving high operability standards.

SUMMARY

The current invention provides an apparatus for baling a standing tree.The apparatus includes a first frame which defines a central area whichis adapted to receive a lower trunk portion of a tree. A front portionof the first frame includes two sections mounted for movement from afirst, closed position to a second, open position to permit entry of atree trunk into the central area. Generally, once a tree trunk isinserted through the two sections and into the first frame, the sectionsreturn to the first position. A plurality of pivotable segments areconnected to the first frame. These pivotable sections define anadjustable cone-shaped structure around the central area whichautomatically adjusts to the size of a tree as the tree is baled. Asecond frame having a front portion with an opening is mounted formovement around the central area below the first frame. A stringdispensing canister is attached to the second frame. A first motor isconnected to the first frame and drivingly connected to the second frameto rotate the second frame around the central area such that string fromthe string from the canister is wound around the tree. The first frameis adapted for attachment to an elevateable support capable of placingthe first frame around the tree trunk and raising both the first andsecond frames to the top of the tree so that as the first and secondframes are raised, string is dispensed from the canister and woundaround the tree.

A method of baling a tree is also provided and includes placing thetrunk of a tree into the central area of the first and second frames ofa baling apparatus by moving with two pivotable front sections of thefirst frame which move from a first, closed position to a second, openposition to allow entry of the trunk as the baling apparatus is movedtoward the trunk, prior to returning to the first closed position. Afirst end of the string contained in the string dispenser is secured tothe tree to be baled. The apparatus is then elevated, while rotating thesecond frame, toward the top of the tree. While the unit is elevated,string is dispensed to hold the uplifted branches of the tree. Once thetop of the tree has passed through the central area of the apparatus orthe apparatus has reached a maximum height, the apparatus is removedfrom the tree. The dispensed string is then cut and preferably securedto the tree providing a constriction of the branches.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of the tree baling apparatus in accordancewith a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of the tree baling apparatus shown inFIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the tree baling apparatus shown in FIG. 1showing the front frame sections opening to receive a tree trunk.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged side elevational view taken along lines 4—4 inFIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged top view of the string canister taken along lines5—5 in FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged side elevational view of the string canister.

FIG. 7 is an elevational view of a tree being baled with the apparatusin accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the tree baling apparatus with frontsection actuators in accordance with an alternate embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 9 is a side perspective view of the tree baling apparatus with arotary support connection to the lift vehicle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a tree baling apparatus 10 in accordancewith the present invention is shown. The tree baling apparatus 10 iscomprised of a first frame 12 that provides structural support andrigidity during tree baling operations. The first frame 12, ispreferably generally circular shaped with an open section to allow atree trunk to enter into the central area 13. The first frame 12 ispreferably constructed from steel tubing, however other structuralmembers in the form of beams, tubes or angles may be used. Likewise, thefirst frame 12 can be made from suitable materials including but notlimited to, stainless steel, aluminum or other metallic materials.

The first frame 12 is connected to a support arm 14. The support arm 14is adapted for attachment to a lifting mechanism such as a fork lift orother lift-type vehicle. Preferably, bolts 52 are used to connect thefirst frame 12 to the support arm 14 through a support plate 62.However, as will be recognized by those skilled in the art, other typesof connecting means may be used, such as rivets, screws, other fastenersor welds. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 9, a rotary actuator 68 may beconnected between the first frame 12 and the support arm 14. Theactuator 68 provides a rotary connection between the first frame 12 andthe lift type vehicle. The actuator may be powered by an auxiliaryhydraulic power take-off type. In the preferred embodiment, a HelacModel HBI-25K-RF-LF-H is used, however, those skilled in the art willrecognize that other actuators may be substituted to provide similarfunctionality.

The first frame 12 has support plates 16 attached to the outer surfacewhich are preferably used to support a third frame 34, as described indetail below. The support plates 16 can be attached to the first andthird frames through various different mechanical connections, such aswelding or mechanical fasteners. In the preferred embodiment shown, awelded connection is used. Tube supports 56 are also preferably attachedto the first frame 12 to support the wheels 24 used to provide arotational connection to the second frame 20, as described below. Thewheels 24 keep the second frame 20 in alignment during rotation.

The open front portion of the first frame 12 includes two sections 30,31 (also referred to as “front sections”) which are mounted for movementfrom a first, closed position, as shown in FIG. 1, to a second, openposition as shown in FIG. 3 to permit entry of a tree trunk 5 into thecental area 13. The two sections 30, 31 then return back to the firstposition, shown in FIG. 1, to form a circular enclosure around the lowertrunk portion 5. Preferably, the two sections 30, 31 are formed frompipe sections that are pivotably connected to the ends of first frame12. In the first preferred embodiment, springs 32 are provided at thepivotal connection to bias the two sections 30, 31 toward the closedposition, as shown in FIG. 1. Preferably, deflector plates 33 arepivotably mounted to the first frame 12 adjacent to the pipe sections tocover the springs 32 and permit smooth entry of the tree trunk 5 intothe central area 13.

Alternatively as shown in FIG. 8, the front sections 30, 31 of the firstframe 12 may be openable away from the tree baling device central area13 via actuators 72. As will be recognized by those skilled in the art,the section actuators 72 may be hydraulic cylinders which can becontrolled from a remote location. The hydraulic cylinders may also beequipped with an interlock feature, so that the first frame frontsections 30, 31 are movable only when the second frame front section isaligned with the first frame front section 30, 31 allowing access to andfrom the central area 13.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the tree baling apparatus 10 preferablyincludes a plurality of pivotable segments 22 connected to the firstframe 12 and the front sections 30, 31 to define an adjustablecone-shaped structure around the central area 13. The segments 22 pivotupon contact with a tree in order to automatically adjust to a size ofthe tree as it is being baled in order to press the branches inwardly.In the preferred embodiment eleven segments 22 are provided. However,the number of segments 22 may be varied. The pivotable segments 22 areeach connected to the first frame 12 through pivotable connections 64 inthe form of a pin connection, and a pivotable segment 22 is alsoconnected to each front section 30, 31. The pivotable segments 22 arepreferably spring biased upwardly and inwardly by springs 65 and maypivot along the pivotable connection 64 to allow variation in the innercircumference of the tree which is being baled. The pivotable segments22 overlap each other along the outer edges to provide an overlappingcone-shaped constriction for the baled tree. The pivotable segments 22can be made from various metallic or nonmetallic materials which providethe needed structural rigidity for confinement of the uplifted branches.In the preferred embodiment, the pivotable segments 22 are made fromsteel plate.

Still with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the third frame 34, which ispreferably installed on the apparatus 10, is shown. The third frame 34acts as a deflector bar to bend the tree branches upwardly duringelevation of the tree baling apparatus 10. The third frame 34 ispreferably circular shaped with a corresponding section of the circle tothe first frame 12 being removed to allow a tree trunk to enter into thearea surrounded by the third frame 34. As noted above, support plates 16are used to attach the third frame 34 to the first frame 12. Preferably,the connection between the support plate 16 and the third frame 34 is awelded connection.

The third frame 34 may be made from any type of structural member,however, in the preferred embodiment shown, steel tubing is used. As oneskilled in the art should recognize from the present disclosure, thethird frame may be made from other suitable materials having sufficientstrength as well as a smooth surface in order to bend branches upwardlywithout causing excess damage to the branches. This may include but isnot limited to stainless steel, aluminum, or other similar structuralmaterials.

Referring now to FIGS. 1, 2, 5 and 6 a second frame 20 having a frontportion with an opening 21, is mounted for rotational movement aroundthe central area 13 below the first frame 12. The second frame 20 ispreferably channel shaped, as shown most clearly in FIG. 6, and isgenerally circular. The second frame 20 is preferably supported on idlerwheels 24, connected to the supports 56 on the first frame 12. In thepreferred embodiment, four idler wheels 24, are attached to the firstframe.

Preferably, a motor 26 is drivingly connected to at least two drivewheels 25 which contact the second frame 20 to provide a motive force.In the preferred embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, two separatemotors 26 are used for the drive wheels 25. The spacing of the motordriven wheels 25 is greater than the opening 21 provided in the secondframe 20 to provide a constant motive force to the second frame 20during rotation. The preferred motor 26 is a Model 101 from Eaton, Inc.

In the preferred embodiment, each motor 26 is pivotably mounted to thefirst frame 12 by a pivotable connection 70, as shown in FIG. 4. Aspring 74 biases the motor 26, and hence the attached drive wheel 25outwardly to ensure positive drive wheel contact with the second frameduring rotation despite any irregularities in the circular shape of thesecond frame 20. This also reduces slippage in the event that theapparatus 10 is operated in wet conditions. However, the motor 26 couldbe connected to the first frame 12 in a fixed manner, if desired, orother suitable means could be utilized to bias the drive wheels 25outwardly. The spring 74 is preferably a leaf spring. However, othertypes of springs could be used.

To allow the tree baling apparatus to be placed on the ground withoutdamaging it, skid plates 58 are attached to the first frame 12 toprovide a ground contact surface. In the preferred embodiment two skidplates 58 are attached to the first frame 12 on opposite sides of thetree baling apparatus 10 to allow the unit to be set down. In thepreferred embodiment, steel plates are used to construct the skid plates58. As one skilled in the art should recognize, various other structuralmaterials may be used to produce the skid plates 58, such as aluminum,stainless steel or other metallic materials.

Referring to FIGS. 2, 5 and 6, a string dispenser 36 is attached to thesecond frame 20. The string dispenser 36 preferably has a lid 48 with anattached J-hook connected to the side. The body of the string dispenser36 has a string tie canister support, 60 used to aid in closing thestring dispenser 36. A spring 42 is stretched from the J-hook of the lid48 to the spring tie canister support 60 to provide constant tension onthe lid to prevent the lid from opening.

The string exits from the string canister through a string tensioner 78.The string tensioner is comprised of a set of plates held to a certaincompressive value by spring bolts 80 thereby tensioning the dispensedstring. By adjusting the nuts on the spring bolts 80, a greater orlesser amount of compressive force may be put on the string tensioner 78allowing greater or less tension on the dispensed string.

A string tensioning spring 44 is attached between a structural support46 and a lift point 50 on the string positioner 51. The stringpositioner 51 is pivotably connected to the support 46 and keeps uniformtension on the string during baling operations. As will be understood bythose skilled in the art, different string tensioning springs 44 may beused to provide differing string tensions for the positioner. Dispensedstring from the string tensioner 78 feeds through the string positioner51 which has an extension 76. The extension 76 may be lengthened orshortened to provide positioning lengths away from the unit as requiredby individual applications.

The string dispenser 36 is connected to the second frame 20 through aplate support 38 which is connected to both the structural support 46and the body of the string dispenser 36. The plate support 38 isconnected to the second frame 20 through bolts 40. However, other typesof connection arrangements may be used including welding or riveting.

In operation, the first frame 12 is attached to an elevateable support,such as a fork lift or other type of lift truck. As one skilled in theart will recognize, the rotary actuator 68 allows for orientation of thefirst, second and third frames to the tree trunk. As shown in FIG. 3,the first frame 12 is placed around the tree trunk by contact of thedeflector plates 33 against the tree trunk while moving the apparatus 10forward such that the tree trunk is received in the central area 13.Alternatively, actuators 72 may be utilized to open the front sections30, 31 if they are provided. The string from the dispenser 36 may beconnected to the trunk of the tree and the motors 26 are actuated.Preferably, the motors 26 are hydraulic motors and are actuated by anauxiliary power take-off on the lift truck to a connected hydraulicline. The motors 26 drive the drive wheels 25 to rotate the second frame20 about the central area as the apparatus 10, including the first frame12 and second frame 20, is raised, as shown in detail in FIG. 7. Stringis dispensed from the canister 36 and wound around the tree to hold thebranches in a constricted position as they are forced inwardly by thethird frame 34 and the inwardly biased pivotable segments 22 to pressthe tree branches inwardly toward the trunk. Once the apparatus 10 hasbeen lifted above the height of the tree, the string is cut and securedto the tree. Alternatively, if actuators 72 are provided, once balinghas been completed to a desired height, the opening 21 in the secondframe 20 is aligned with the opening in the first frame 12, and theactuators 72 are activated to open the front sections 30, 31 so that theapparatus 10 can be removed. The baled tree can then be cut, such as inthe case of Christmas trees or can be balled for transplanting fornursery operations.

The arrangement of the second rotatable frame 20 beneath the first frame12 protects the second frame 20 as well as the idler wheels 24 and drivewheels 25 from interference of the tree branches as the tree is baledsince the first frame and third frame force the tree branches upwardlyand inwardly toward the tree trunk. This provides for safer operationand less jamming. Additionally, the pivotable segments 22 pivotdownwardly a sufficient distance to protect the idler wheels 24 anddrive wheels 25 from contact as the tree passes beneath the apparatus10.

While the preferred embodiment of the invention has been described indetail, the invention is not limited to the specific embodimentdescribed above, which would be considered as merely exemplary. Furthermodifications and extensions of the present invention may be developedbased upon the foregoing, and also its modifications are deemed to bewithin the scope of the present invention.

1. An apparatus for baling a standing tree comprising: a base; a first annular frame being fixed to said base and defining a central area, said first frame having a passageway portion which can be opened to allow passage of the tree trunk into the central area and then can be closed so that the first frame encircles the tree trunk; a second annular frame concentrically rotatably mounted below and on said first frame, said second frame having a permanent arcuate opening wide enough to allow the tree trunk to pass therethrough into the central area; a string dispenser fixed to said second frame; a first motor engaging and driving said second frame and string dispenser around the central area and around the tree received therein; and, means on said base for connecting said apparatus to an elevateable support.
 2. The apparatus recited in claim 1, wherein said first frame first contacts the radiating arms of the tree and folds the arms upwardly and inwardly when the apparatus encircles the base of the tree trunk and traverses vertically upwardly to the top of the tree.
 3. The apparatus recited in claim 2, wherein the dispenser does not dispense string onto a branch until the branch has been folded to at least the diameter of said first frame.
 4. The apparatus recited in claim 1, wherein the first frame includes a third annular frame fixed above and to said first frame.
 5. The apparatus recited in claim 4, wherein said third frame has a permanent arcuate opening that is wide enough to allow the tree trunk to pass therethrough into the central area, and has a diameter greater than the diameter of said first frame.
 6. The apparatus recited in claim 5, wherein said third and first frames successively contact the radiating arms of the tree and fold the arms upwardly and inwardly when the apparatus encircles the base of the tree trunk and traverses vertically upwardly to the top of the tree.
 7. The apparatus recited in claim 6, wherein the dispenser does not dispense string onto a branch until the branch has been folded to the tree such that the diameter of the tree and branch together are within the diameter of said first frame.
 8. The apparatus recited in claim 1, wherein said passageway portion comprises at least one retractable arcuate section that moves between an open position and a closed position.
 9. The apparatus recited in claim 8, wherein said passageway portion comprises a pair of retractable arcuate sections that move between an open position and a closed position.
 10. The apparatus recited in claim 9, wherein said arcuate sections are pivotably connected to the first frame.
 11. The apparatus recited in claim 1, wherein said connecting means is located on the back of said apparatus, and said passageway and said arcuate opening are located on the front of said apparatus diametrically-opposite said connecting means.
 12. The apparatus recited in claim 11, wherein the angular extent of said passageway and said arcuate opening are about equal and overlapping.
 13. The apparatus recited in claim 6, wherein said first motor is mounted on said first frame and underneath said third frame.
 14. The apparatus recited in claim 13, including an additional second motor engaging and driving said second frame and string dispenser around the central area and around the tree received therein, said additional second motor mounted underneath said third frame and on said first frame at an angular distance from said first motor that is greater than the angular extent of the arcuate opening of said second frame.
 15. An apparatus for baling a standing tree comprising: a base; a first annular frame being fixed to said base and defining a central area, said first frame having a front passageway portion which can be opened to allow passage of the tree trunk into the central area laterally and then closed to encircle the tree trunk; a second annular frame concentrically rotatably mounted below and on said first frame, said second frame having a permanent arcuate opening wide enough to allow the tree trunk to pass therethrough into the central area; a string dispenser fixed to said second frame; a first motor connected to said first frame, said first motor engaging and driving said second frame and string dispenser around the central area underneath the first frame and around the tree received therein; a third annular frame concentrically fixed above and to said first annular frame, said third frame having an arcuate opening that is wide enough to allow the tree trunk to pass therethrough into the central area, said third frame having a diameter greater than the diameter of said first frame; and, means on said base for connecting said apparatus to an elevateable support.
 16. The apparatus recited in claim 15, wherein said first and third frames contact the radiating arms of the tree and fold the arms upwardly and inwardly when the apparatus encircles the base of the tree trunk and traverses vertically upwardly to the top of the tree.
 17. The apparatus recited in claim 16, wherein the dispenser does not dispense string onto a branch until the branch has been folded to the tree such that the diameter of the tree and branch together are within the diameter of said first frame.
 18. The apparatus recited in claim 17, wherein said passageway portion comprises at least one retractable arcuate section that moves between an open position and a closed position.
 19. The apparatus recited in claim 18, wherein said connecting means is located on the back of said apparatus, and said passageway and said arcuate openings are diametrically-oppositely located on the front of said apparatus.
 20. The apparatus recited in claim 19, wherein an angular extent of said passageway and said arcuate openings are about equal and overlapping.
 21. The apparatus recited in claim 15, including an additional second motor engaging and driving said second frame and string dispenser around the central area and around the tree received therein, said additional second motor mounted underneath said third frame and on said first frame at an angular distance from said first motor that is greater than the angular extent of the arcuate opening of said second frame. 